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GameMasters Secret's Page
The GameMaster's Secrets
Gathering Evidence

This should be read as MORE of an historical document.

Every day, I read a post by some online gambler, somewhere, and the conclusion they have reached is that the Blackjack game at "XYZ Casino" or the game made by "ABC Software" is not a fair game. They usually go on to tell how they won nicely at the beginning, but "as soon as I upped my bet to $25 a hand, they threw the switch on me and I lost it all back".

Those of you who are inclined more toward mathematical analysis know immediately what happened. Our player has forgotten that s/he is playing at a game where the casino has an edge, but in spite of that, had a nice run of luck (variance), made some $$$, figured s/he could also win the chandeliers in the casino, started over-betting and then the cards got even. If you win, say, $150 by betting $10 a hand, it doesn't take an extraordinary losing streak to blow it all, if you're now betting $25 a hand. But, rather than admit to greed, it's easier for the player to yell, "cheat".

Now understand that I'm not saying there isn't any cheating going on out there. I know there is, because I've seen it, been a victim of it and want to do all I can to eliminate it. And believe it or not, those casinos that are offering fair games want to see cheaters thrown out of the business, too. I have always maintained that the Internet belongs to the people of the world, and it's pretty obvious to me that We, The People, are going to be the ones who clean up this mess. While the various governments of various jurisdictions are either trying to ban the activity, trying to expand the activity or are just collecting fees, none of them are lifting a finger to help the average person who wants to play a little *honest* Blackjack.

Here at GameMaster OnLine, we try to check games for fairness and honesty, but it's a huge task that calls for more time and $$$ than are available to us. So, here's what I propose: let's pool our resources and GMO will act as the central "clearing house" for any information that is gathered. Yes, I know you play Blackjack and the other casino games mostly for fun and relaxation and the thought of keeping track of lots of arcane statistics isn't very appealing, but don't worry because you can have your cake and eat it, too.

One of the tools we use to check the fairness of games is infallible in its accuracy, simple to use, not at all distracting to your play and it provides a complete record of exactly what happened. It's called a video recorder. All you have to do is set up your videotape camera to "shoot" your monitor as you play and, voila!, a complete record of what happened is available for analysis. If we can get the records of enough hands of play, it can easily be determined whether or not the game in question is fair. An added benefit is that some casinos which are currently offering non-random games may hear about this and if they know what they're doing will be put on tape, they may stop doing it. That's why I said earlier that some scerets are more useful when they're not so secret any more.

Nobody in their right mind will ever play at a game they believe is rigged, but if you have your suspicions about the game at certain casinos, but like playing there for one reason or another, you can help provide some answers. Start videotaping your play and then send the tape to us. We'll do the "dog" work of compiling the stats and will then publish the data for everyone to see. If someone is cheating, this will catch them in the act and there will be no doubt about it, because we'll have the evidence on tape!

So, here's how to do it. Tape your playing sessions, being careful to identify the casino involved. You can do that by taping your log-in (hide your passwords, though) or by putting a Post-It-type of note on the screen, etc. Feel free to put sessions from different casinos on the same tape, but please be sure to identify the casino and put a "break" between each session. Beyond that, all you have to do is play (leave the sound off) and, once the tape is full, send it to us. Hopefully you'll let us keep the tape indefinitely, because if we do "catch a thief", we'll want to retain the evidence. You do not have to identify yourself, although many casino games will show your username. But, let me assure you that these tapes will be used only for the stated purpose and we aren't going to share the information on individual players without your permission. We would want your e-mail address, though, just in case we have any questions about your tape. You can write that on the cassette label.

Also, please spread the word. If you have friends who gamble at Internet casinos, ask them to tape their sessions as well. All it will cost is a videotape cassette or two and some postage. By the way, at the current time, can use only VHS tapes. I know a different format is used in Europe, but until we can work out the compatibility issues, we'll have to go with VHS only. But don't let that stop you from recording your data. Someday we'll be able to use your tape, so start gathering the evidence now.

I intend to enlist the help of the Online Players Association in this project as well. You don't have to be a member of the OPA to participate in this, but we are strong supporters of them and urge that you consider joining. The OPA Website is at www.onlineplayersassociation.com/

Send your videotapes to:

GameMaster OnLine, Inc.
7 Marjean Drive
Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

See you here next time.

  

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